ISU WorkFlex Request and Approval Process
High-Level Request and Approval Process
Broadly, the WorkFlex program includes these options:
- Flexible Start/Stop Times – working outside the standard work hours
- Compressed Workweek – working fewer but longer days (e.g., working four 10-hour days)
- Hybrid Work – working from home or other designated location up to 60% of the time (i.e., up to 3 days per week)
- Reduced Hours – moving to part-time
- Gradual Return to Work – gradually increasing hours following leave
- Retirement Transition – gradually reducing hours toward retirement
Eligibility
The WorkFlex program was designed with input from focus groups of Professional and Scientific (P&S) employees, Faculty, Faculty Work-Life Advisory Committee members, Merit employees, and supervisors of all staff types. The program is for Professional and Scientific (P&S) and certain Merit employees only1. Faculty are not eligible for this program given the existing and ongoing flexibility these positions already have.
Stepped Approach
One of the most important things to know about the launch of the WorkFlex program, as well as the ongoing approach, is that it will involve a stepped or phased implementation, featuring application and decision “windows” each semester. These month-long windows have a number of benefits for the rollout of the program.
Next WorkFlex Application Window
Key dates are outlined below for the current application window. Supervisors should refamiliarize themselves with the material prior to the employee application window opening.
The employee application window gives employees ample time to apply for the program and eliminates any sense of urgency that would come with a first-come, first-served approach. Similarly, the supervisor decision window gives supervisors time to consider all applications, make fair and reasoned decisions, and allow ample time for conversations with employees and HR Delivery, as well as collaborative discussions with their teams/units.
Date |
Activity |
---|---|
March 6 - March 31 | Employee application window. |
April 3 - April 28 | Supervisor decision window for requests received during employee application window. When possible, all decisions should be completed by April 28. Supervisor would document initial decision. Agreements must be completed before effective date. |
May 1 - May 12 | Supervisor works with staff to prepare for effective dates of approved arrangements. |
Monday, May 15 | First date for which WorkFlex arrangements can be effective for the fourth WorkFlex window. |
Future WorkFlex Application Windows
Application windows are scheduled prior to the start of each new semester, as detailed in the following chart. Employees interested in continuing their approved WorkFlex schedules will need to renew their agreements annually with their supervisor, and the program will be open for new applicants before every semester. The next three windows are as follows:
Employee Application Window |
Supervisor Decision Window |
Schedule Effective Date |
---|---|---|
June 5 - June 30, 2023 | July 3 - July 28, 2023 | August 21, 2023 |
1Police Officer I, II, III, Sergeant, and Community Outreach Specialist positions are excluded from this program.
Related Documents & Policies
WorkFlex Program Agreement – Example
Policy Library: Appointment Authority/Hiring
Employee WorkFlex Request Process in Workday
Supervisor WorkFlex Approval Process in Workday
Approver WorkFlex Approval Process in Workday
Explore WorkFlex at ISU